The Fifth Soka Kyoiku Gakkai General Meeting in Kanda, Tokyo, attended by 600 people. In his address, Makiguchi stresses the distinction between believers and practitioners, strongly criticizing Nichiren Shoshu priests who refused to engage in propagation efforts for fear of the reaction of society and the authorities.
more>>

Summoned to Taiseki-ji by the Nichiren Shoshu administrative office along with Toda and six other directors.
more>>

June 29

Two Soka Kyoiku Gakkai directors are detained by the police.

July 6

Makiguchi is detained by two officers of the Special Higher Police in what is now Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture, on charges of violating the Peace Preservation Law and committing acts of blasphemy against Shinto and the emperor. On the same day, police raid Makiguchi's house in Tokyo, seizing documents and other materials. Also on the same day, Toda is detained on the same charges in Tokyo, along with other leaders of Soka Kyoiku Gakkai.
more>>

Charges brought against Makiguchi under the Peace Preservation Law, 1943

Sep 25

Transferred to Sugamo Prison in Tokyo. In transit, he briefly encounters Toda, their last meeting.

Tokyo Sugamo Prison (Photo by Tokyo Kochisho)

Makiguchi spends about 400 days in Sugamo Prison. In intervals in the intense interrogations during his imprisonment, Makiguchi continues to explain the principles of Buddhism to the guards, and debates his theory of value with the interrogators. He is permitted to send postcards to his family periodically. Old age and malnutrition weaken him. The interrogators several times suggest he be moved to the prison hospital, but he refuses until the very end.